order to develop a mood to get the reader frightened, Poe must portray the setting of the story. The house is described initially by the narrator, who sees the image of the house as a skull or death’s head looming out of the dead. He is not sure what to think and comments of the properties of the old house: "What was it, I paused to think, what was it that so unnerved me in the contemplation of the house of Usher?" (1461 - 1462). The house is further described to take on expressions and feelings. Poe writes that the house took on a "sorrowful impression" and referred to it as the "melancholy House of Usher" (1462). Poe further describes the surroundings: "…an atmosphere which had no affinity with the air of heaven, but which had reeked up from the decayed trees, and the gray wall, and the silent tarn -- a pestilent and mystic vapor, dull, sluggish, faintly discernible, and leaden-hued." (1463). These portrayals of the house and its surroundings are used to build an effect for the story. This fantastic imagery sets the mood of the twisted events and serves as a backbone to the story and the characters. Besides mood setting, Poe uses the house to strongly relate to the nature of the characters. The narrator states that Roderick’s fears may be linked directly to the house. "He is enchained by certain superstitious impressions in regard to the dwelling which he tenanted, and from which, for many years, he had never ventured forth." (1465). He believes that Roderick’s illness may be caused by the conditions of the house itself. Roderick is found as "…an anomalous species of terror…a bounden slave," or he is described as a prisoner in his own home. As a result, Roderick does not leave because the influence of the house was too strong. There was "…an influence which some peculiarities in the mere form and substance of his family mansion had, …he said, obtained over his spirit -- an effect which t...
